BBC issues apology over Salmond bachelor comments

The BBC has apologised for labelling Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond a bachelor.

Pundit Justin Rowlatt told The One Show that Mr Salmond – like former UK prime minister Edward Heath – was unattached. But after viewer complaints were received in London, a hurried correction was broadcast towards the end of the show on Tuesday.

Presenter Matt Baker said: ”We would like to just say sorry to Alex and Moira Salmond, who are very much married, despite what Justin said earlier on.”

The programme was comparing the role of the US First Lady, Michelle Obama, with her UK equivalent. A spokesman for the BBC said: “This was something that was said in error. It was immediately corrected on air.”

Mr Salmond and the former Moira McGlashan met while they were working as civil servants and have been married for 31 years.